Local music awards return February 15 at Naro Expanded Cinema

Veer Magazine will host a local music awards program at the Naro Expanded Cinema in Norfolk on Feb. 15, editor Jeff Maisey announced.

Veer's awards were once an annual event on the local music scene, but they have been been absent for nearly four years.

Here's a press release about the event.

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Veer Magazine is pleased to announce the much anticipated return of the Local Music Awards on Wednesday, February 15 at the Naro Expanded Cinema.

The Local Music Awards originally began in 2000 with Ninevolt Magazine as a way to recognize the talents of musicians in Hampton Roads. Veer publisher Jeff Maisey produced most of the awards shows in a fashion similar to the Grammy and American Music Awards. Bands are given awards in more than 20 categories ranging from album of the year and best hip hop artist to jazz, metal, acoustic singer-songwriter, Americana, indie pop/rock and blues.

"After a nearly four-year hiatus, I feel the time is right to bring this presentation back," said Maisey. "We'll be adding new categories such as best music video/movie, busker (street musician) and lifetime achievement."

The music awards show theme will be "Love Your Local Music" as the date coincides with Valentine's. Each performing band will cover a song with the word "love" in its title -- whether "Love Me Do" and "Radar Love" or "Love Stinks." The production will be a multi-media experience, making use of the Naro's movie screen and stage.

An expert panel of local music industry players will serve as a nominating committee for each category. Winners will be selected in this way: 50% from judging panel, 50% from voting online at www.veermag.com.

"It's important that the local music awards be balanced between the expert opinions of our panel of judges," said Maisey. "This cannot simply be a popularity contest based upon who has the most Facebook friends."